Doctors Continue Strike At UUTH Over EFCC Shootings Incident

Doctors and health workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, have insisted on continuing their strike despite appeals from Governor Umo Eno, the Minister of Health, the Deputy Governor, and other top government officials.

The industrial action, which began about a week ago, was reportedly triggered by an incident involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during an attempted arrest of a senior thoracic surgeon, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, on Tuesday, January 12.

It was gathered that EFCC operatives had visited the hospital along Abak Road, Uyo, to retrieve a medical report linked to a suspect under investigation. The situation escalated when hospital officials allegedly resisted the arrest of Prof. Ekpe, leading to what was described as shooting and teargas use in the hospital environment.

Following the incident, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State directed its members to embark on a strike at UUTH, while allowing other health institutions in the state to continue operations.

At an emergency congress meeting of the association over the weekend, members resolved to sustain the strike at UUTH, citing the EFCC’s alleged refusal to issue a public apology and provide compensation for victims, including Prof. Ekpe.

The resolution, signed by the NMA chairman in the state, Dr. Aniekan Peter, and secretary, Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, stated that the decision was taken after extensive deliberations.

“After exhaustive deliberations, Congress resolved that the ongoing industrial action shall continue at the UUTH, while all other health facilities and institutions in the State are given waivers and, therefore, excluded from the strike action,” the statement read.

The association said the partial waiver was granted on humanitarian grounds, in consideration of the suffering of patients and in response to interventions by the state government and other stakeholders.

It added that health services in excluded centres should resume immediately, but warned that all facilities would be drawn into a full strike if the EFCC fails to meet its demands within two weeks.

“Should the EFCC fail to comply with the earlier demands of the Association within two weeks from today, all previously excluded centres shall resume full industrial action,” the NMA warned.

The doctors also reiterated their commitment to protecting the welfare, rights, and privileges of members, while appreciating the support of national officers, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for what they described as solidarity.

The association further commended the Uyo branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for standing by the doctors in the ongoing dispute with the EFCC.